Flotation device for covering pools

ABSTRACT

A flotation device for covering a pool featuring a floatable base for floating in the pool, the base comprises a music component, at least one cup holder disposed in a top surface, and fiber optic lights extending downwardly from a bottom surface; a pole extending upwardly from the top surface of the base; a dome-shaped umbrella having a center, the center is attached to the pole, wherein the umbrella comprises a plurality of interconnecting panels extending radially from the center, wherein flaps hang from an outer edge of umbrella, wherein at least one panel can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door; and an attachment means disposed on at least one flap for securing the flap to an outer perimeter of the pool.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a flotation device used to cover and secure a pool such as an above ground pool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pool owners may encounter many problems. For example, dirt, debris, and bugs may accumulate in the pool leading to large amounts of time spent cleaning the pool. The pool may be used by unwanted intruders or even unsupervised children. Additionally, pool time may be limited if slightly bad weather such as rain occurs. The present invention features a flotation device for covering a pool. The flotation device of the present invention can help prevent the pool being used by others, prevent dirt and other debris from accumulating, and can extend pool time by providing cover from hot or cold weather as well as rain.

Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.

SUMMARY

The present invention features a flotation device for covering a pool. The flotation device comprises a floatable base for floating in the pool, the base comprises a music component, at least one cup holder disposed in a top surface, and fiber optic lights extending downwardly from a bottom surface, the music component and fiber optic lights are each operatively connected to a power source; a pole extending upwardly from the top surface of the base, wherein a first end of the pole is attached to the base; a dome-shaped umbrella having a center, the center is attached to a second end of the pole, wherein the umbrella comprises a plurality of interconnecting panels extending radially from the center, wherein flaps hang from an outer edge of umbrella, wherein at least one panel can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door; and an attachment means disposed on at least one flap for securing the flap to an outer perimeter of the pool.

In some embodiments, the music component is an AM/FM radio or a CD player. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. In some embodiments, the power source is stored in a battery compartment disposed in the base. In some embodiments, the umbrella comprises a plurality of lights disposed on or around an inside surface of the plurality of interconnected panels. In some embodiments, the lights are arranged to extend radially outwardly from the pole.

In some embodiments, the panel that can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door can be secured in the closed position with a lock. In some embodiments, the attachment means is a hook-and-loop fastener, an elastic band, a snap, a button, a clasp, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, flotation device further comprises a motion detector system disposed on either the pole, the base, or on the umbrella. In some embodiments, the motion detector system is operatively connected to the power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flotation device of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a top view of the flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top cross sectional view of the flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the music component of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the motion sensor (e.g., child monitor) of the flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the flotation device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1-7, the present invention features a flotation device 100 for covering a pool 101. The flotation device 100 is a removable enclosure for a pool 101 such as an above-ground pool. The flotation device 100 can provide a durable (and lightweight, easy to install) protective barrier over the water. In some embodiments, the flotation device 100 can help to reduce accumulation of rain, leaves, small brush, bugs, and/or debris (and/or unwanted intruders). In some embodiments, the flotation device 100 can help to minimize evaporation, keep the water warm, and provide privacy for swimming. The flotation device 100 may help to save time (and money) spent on cleaning and adding chemicals. In some embodiments, the flotation device 100 can help save lives, for example by helping to prevent individuals (e.g., children) from drowning. The flotation device 100 can also function as a security device for the pool.

The flotation device 100 of the present invention comprises a floatable base 120 for floating in the pool 101 (in the water). The base 120 has a top surface 121 and a bottom surface 122, and the base 120 may be constructed in a variety of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular, oval, star-shaped, etc.). Disposed in the top surface 121 of the base 120 are one or more cup holders 320 (see FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the floating base 120 comprises a music component 340 (e.g., AM/FM radio, CD player) wherein the music component 340 has a speaker 345 and a display 350. Music components are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the music component 340 may be disposed on an alternate portion of the flotation device 100. The music component 340 is operatively connected to a power source (e.g., batteries).

In some embodiments, the base 120 comprises lights such as a fiber-optic lighting 290 apparatus operatively connected to a power supply (e.g., batteries). In some embodiments, the power supply (e.g., batteries) is stored in a battery compartment 430 disposed in the base 120. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the fiber-optic lighting 290 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 122 of the base 120 (e.g., into the water of the pool 101).

The flotation device 100 further comprises a dome shaped umbrella 110 attached to the base 120 via a pole 130. The umbrella 110 is generally similar in appearance to a standard outdoor umbrella (but in some embodiments the umbrella 110 is a larger size than standard outdoor umbrellas). The umbrella 110 has a center 111 (the center 111 being connected to the pole 130) and a plurality of panels 112 extend radially from the center. The umbrella 110 has an outer edge (outer edge of the panels 112), and in some embodiments a plurality of flaps 115 (e.g., interconnected flaps, non-interconnected flaps) hang from the outer edge. In some embodiments, the umbrella 110 comprises a plurality of lights 330, for example disposed on or around the inside surface of the umbrella 110 (see FIG. 6). FIG. 6 shows lights disposed on the umbrella 110 (e.g., the inside surface, the inside surface of the flaps 112). The lights may be arranged radially from the pole 130.

The flaps 115 can be secured to the outer perimeter of the pool 101 via an attachment means 160, for example a hook-and-loop fastener, an elastic band, a snap, a button, a clasp, the like, or a combination thereof (see FIG. 7). By securing the flaps 115 to the outer perimeter of the pool 101, access to the pool 101 can be prevented. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the flaps 115 comprises a first half hook-and-loop fastener that is for engaging and securing to a second half hook-and-loop fastener disposed along the outer perimeter of the pool 101.

In some embodiments, one or more panels 112 of the umbrella 110 are removable or can be opened and closed, e.g., can move between an open position and a closed position, functioning like a door (see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the panels 112 can be secured in the closed position with a lock. When moved to the open position, the panel 112 allows access to the pool 101 while the flotation device 100 is still in place. In some embodiments, a panel 112 of the umbrella 110 can be removed to partially expose the water (e.g., to allow sun in).

In some embodiments, the flotation device further comprises a child monitor (e.g., motion detector system 400), e.g., disposed on the pole 130 or on the base 120 or on the umbrella 110. Motion detector systems (e.g., child monitors) are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the motion detector system 400 (child monitor) comprises a remote receiver and a transmitter (e.g., a mechanism sometimes found in baby monitors). The motion detector 400 (child monitor) can detect movements (e.g., emergency movements) in the pool 101 and alert a user such as a user with the receiver if someone (e.g., a child) or an animal is in the pool 101. In some embodiments, the motion detector system 400 (e.g., child monitor) comprises a sensing component 410 for sensing motion, a speaker 345 for sounding an alarm, a control button (e.g., to turn the motion detector system 400 off and on), a display 350, the like, and/or a combination thereof. The motion detector system 400 is operatively connected to the power source (e.g., batteries).

Without wishing to limit the present invention to any theory or mechanism, it is believed that the device 100 of the present invention is advantageous because: it can help save lives, save time, save money, it is lightweight, it comprises a music-AM/FM or CD player, it has a child monitor, it has lights (e.g., fiber optic), it may be battery-operated, it is adjustable for sun and shade, it comprises a drink and ice holder, it comprises a motion detector, a user can swim in adverse conditions, it can be easily installed e.g., by one person, it can help save money on pool chemicals, it comprises a locking device, it can functions as a screened-in-room, fence, and pool all in one.

The following the disclosures of the following U.S. Patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,119,284; 3,769,639; 5,706,531; 5,259,077; 5,621,926; 6,398,397.

Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flotation device for covering a pool, said flotation device consisting of: (a) a single floatable base for floating in the pool, the base consisting of a music component, at least one cup holder disposed in a top surface, and fiber optic lights extending downwardly from a bottom surface, the music component and fiber optic lights are each operatively connected to a power source; (b) a single pole extending perpendicularly upwardly from a middle of the top surface of the base, wherein a first end of the pole is attached to the base; (c) a dome-shaped umbrella having a center, the center is attached to a second end of the pole, wherein the umbrella consists of a plurality of interconnecting triangular panels extending radially from the center, wherein flaps hang from an outer edge of the umbrella, wherein at least one panel can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door; and (d) an attachment means disposed on at least one flap for securing the flap to an outer perimeter of the pool.
 2. A flotation device for covering a pool, said flotation device consisting essentially of: (a) a single floatable base for floating in the pool, the base consisting essentially of a music component, at least one cup holder disposed in a top surface, and fiber optic lights extending downwardly from a bottom surface, the music component and fiber optic lights are each operatively connected to a power source; (b) a single pole extending perpendicularly upwardly from a middle of the top surface of the base, wherein a first end of the pole is attached to the base; (c) a dome-shaped umbrella having a center, the center is attached to a second end of the pole, wherein the umbrella consists essentially of a plurality of interconnecting triangular panels extending radially from the center, wherein flaps hang from an outer edge of the umbrella, wherein at least one panel can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door; and (d) an attachment means disposed on at least one flap for securing the flap to an outer perimeter of the pool.
 3. A flotation device for covering a pool, said flotation device comprising: (a) a single floatable base for floating in the pool, the base comprises a music component, at least one cup holder disposed in a top surface, and fiber optic lights extending downwardly from a bottom surface, the music component and fiber optic lights are each operatively connected to a power source; (b) a single pole extending perpendicularly upwardly from a middle of the top surface of the base, wherein a first end of the pole is attached to the base; (c) a dome-shaped umbrella having a center, the center is attached to a second end of the pole, wherein the umbrella comprises a plurality of interconnecting triangular panels extending radially from the center, wherein flaps hang from an outer edge of the umbrella, wherein at least one triangular panel can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door; and (d) an attachment means disposed on at least one flap for securing the flap to an outer perimeter of the pool.
 4. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the music component is an AM/FM radio or a CD player.
 5. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the power source is a battery.
 6. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the power source is stored in a battery compartment disposed in the base.
 7. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the umbrella comprises a plurality of lights disposed on or around an inside surface of the plurality of interconnected panels.
 8. The flotation device of claim 7, wherein the lights are arranged to extend radially outwardly from the pole.
 9. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the panel that can move between an open position and a closed position functioning like a door can be secured in the closed position with a lock.
 10. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the attachment means is a hook-and-loop fastener, an elastic band, a snap, a button, a clasp, or a combination thereof.
 11. The flotation device of claim 3 further comprising a motion detector system disposed on either the pole, the base, or on the umbrella.
 12. The flotation device of claim 11, wherein the motion detector system is operatively connected to the power source. 